Despite his humble beginnings on a small farm at the end of Turkey Mountain Road in Amherst County, he went on to travel the world with the Air Force and to become the first person in his family to graduate from college. As an intelligence officer to General Stratemeyer, Peyton served in Taiwan and Japan during the Korean War. There he learned to fly and piloted his last flight over his family farm in his eighties. After returning from the Far East, Peyton completed his degree from Lynchburg College.
He went on to serve Amherst County as a health inspector for thirty-five years, and then founded his own environmental services company, which he operated for an additional twenty-five years, finally retiring at the age of 88. Among Peyton’s defining characteristics were his tireless work ethic and his willingness to serve others. Peyton found fulfillment in decades of farming with his sons, Randy and Jeff, his cousin Morris Thomas, and his dear friend Moses Sandidge.
His other defining characteristic was his dedication to his wife of 61 years, Ann Morris Thomas; their four children, Sharon, Randy, Joanne, and Jeff; and their ten grandchildren, Jennifer, Valerie, Joseph, Todd, Scott, Andrew, Felice, Taylor, Andrea, and Emily. Peyton and Ann loved to ballroom dance, but they invested most of their time in their children and grandchildren. Peyton never missed a ballgame, a recital, or a graduation, and was a constant presence and guiding force for his children and grandchildren. He was also a source of constant support for his beloved brothers and sisters, whose friendship he cherished throughout his life.
Peyton is survived by his children, grandchildren, twelve great-grandchildren and church family. He was a 70-year member of Randolph Memorial Baptist Church and a lifelong deacon.
A funeral service will be held at the church on Wednesday, March 5, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. and will be officiated by the Rev. Drs. Derik Hamby and Don Norman. A graveside service with military honors by American Legion Post 16 will follow at Fort Hill Memorial Park.
The family will also receive visitors at Whitten Monelison Chapel on Tuesday, March 4, 2025 from 6:00 to 8:00 pm.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Randolph Memorial Baptist Church’s stained glass window fund in Peyton’s memory.
To send online condolences to the family, please go to www.whittenmonelison.com.
Whitten Monelison Chapel is serving the family.
